October 2010

10/16/2010

Living with a chronic disease presents daily challenges. Whether it is learning to navigate life’s obstacles with a physical disability or simply coming to terms emotionally with the harsh realities of an unremitting disease, it’s never easy. The best plan of action that I have found is to try to make peace with your situation and put your best foot forward each and every day.

This month’s Jen’s Jewels Leigh Brill discusses this very topic in her heartfelt new release, A DOG NAMED SLUGGER. Diagnosed with cerebral palsy, she tackles everyday activities with the help of an adorably smart guide dog aptly named Slugger. Through anecdotal tales of encouragement, she offers keen insight into the life of a person struggling with a debilitating chronic disease. Beautifully written from start to finish, her story is a true testament of courage, love, and hope.

As part of this interview, Bell Bridge Books has generously donated five copies for you, my favorite readers, to try to win. So, don’t forget to look for the trivia question. And as always, thanks for making Jen’s Jewels a part of your fall reading list.

Jen: The challenges that life presents often turn out to be blessings in disguise. A DOG NAMED SLUGGER is the story of your personal journey of self-discovery. So that my readers may have a better understanding of the woman behind the words, please share with us your educational and professional background.

Leigh: After earning my Bachelors degree in psychology, I went on to obtain my Masters and Educational Specialist degrees in Community Agency Counseling. I worked for many years in the mental health/human services field. With my service dog Slugger by my side, I assisted clients who dealt with a wide variety of psychological and physical challenges.

Jen: During your time as a graduate student, your health became a major factor affecting your educational goals. Eventually, you were faced with the decision to explore other options in terms of coping with your disease. First of all, please give us a brief description of cerebral palsy and how it affects your mobility.

Leigh:Cerebral palsy is a broad term that actually encompasses a group of posture and movement disorders. It is related to the brain’s ability to control the body, and there are several different classifications of CP (spastic, ataxic, dyskinetic, or mixed). Therefore, one person with CP may deal with very different symptoms compared to another person who has received the same diagnosis. For me, CP means I cannot depend on my own body to do what I want it to do.I have difficulties with my balance, my depth perception and vision, my muscles, and my ability to move and function physically. Walking requires a lot of concentration and energy (and a bit of good luck). Even with all of these, I fall easily. I sometimes need to use my wheelchair. My CP also makes my hands shake and I often drop things. In addition to these functional challenges, I have to deal with a lot of physical pain.

Jen: The use of seeing-eye dogs by the blind is widely well-known; however, companion dogs are not.Please describe for us how their roles differ. And, which breeds work best for each?

Leigh: Like guide dogs, mobility service dogs are trained to assist individuals who deal with disabilities. They can learn more than fifty different tasks that increase the independence and quality of life for their human partners. For example, service dogs are often trained to pick up dropped items, carry small things in their mouths, open heavy doors, and retrieve specific things (like the telephone) for their partners. All working dogs need to be healthy, smart, calm, and eager to please. Various breeds and mixed breed dogs can fill that important role; and I personally know lots of Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers who are service dogs.

Jen: How did the decision to apply for a companion dog affect your perception of your disease? In your mind, how did you make peace with it?

Leigh:When I as a little girl, my grandfather used to tell me that every part of life holds the promise of something good. As a child with CP, I’d thought he was wrong; I could not find anything good about growing up with my disability. But when I met Slugger, I realized something good had found me. My life was shaped by my congenital disability and ultimately re-shaped by my partnership with my service dog. It was Slugger’s unconditional love that enabled me to gradually make peace with my CP. My service dog was the single good thing to come out of my disability.

Jen: Briefly describe for us the application process required for obtaining a service dog. What was the most challenging part and why? And, did you select Slugger, or did he select you?

Leigh: The application process I experienced began with a phone call; I called Caring Canine Companions of Virginia and talked to the folks who worked there about my disability and how I hoped a service dog might help me.During this first conversation, I also began to understand some of the assistance tasks service dogs can perform.I was then sent a written application. Once completed, my application was reviewed and approved by the organization’s trainers and professionals. A thorough home visit followed. Once my home was approved for a working dog, I settled in to wait until the folks at CCC contacted me to let me know they had found a dog they believed might be suitable for me, my environment, and my physical needs. For me, this wait lasted nine months –and the waiting was the hardest part! Every partnership is a matter of give and take, but in order for the whole service dog bond to work, Slugger had to make it clear he was willing to work with me; that was our vital first step toward becoming a successful working team.

Jen: In terms of Slugger’s training, how active were you in his overall instruction? How long did it take? And, please share with us one of your favorite memories.

Leigh: Slugger’s training actually began years before I met him. It took nearly two years for him to gain the skills and confidence he would need to work by my side. After he had been trained for that time, he was matched with me and our team training took several months. One of my favorite memories of our training period was when, during our final team test, the instructor with CCC told me that Slugger and I were so well matched that our gaits were identical and our butts wiggled the same way when we walked together.

Jen: With Slugger by your side, your struggle with CP was no longer an individual plight.Rather, it became a team effort. What were his particular strengths? And, in what ways did his constant companionship impact your self-esteem?

Leigh: Slugger was incredibly loyal and steady, and obedient when we worked together. My sweet Labrador also had a sense of humor that helped me keep a balanced perspective about life. Slugger believed in me before I knew how to believe in myself. His unconditional love and assistance gave me a sense of confidence, completeness, and self-worth.

Jen: Your relationship with your future husband, Pranav, also came with its challenges due to your culturally diverse backgrounds. How did your willingness to embrace the diversity directly correlate to having grown up with a chronic disease?

Leigh: My personal experiences growing up with my disability helped me understand the importance of ‘seeing beyond the surface’ of individuals. This may have helped me be more open-minded in developing relationships as I matured—including my relationship with Pranav. I also think my CP forced me to adapt and be creative in how I handled challenges. That creativity has served me well in all my significant relationships.

Jen: In his later years, Slugger began to suffer from old age. How difficult was it to accept his need to retire? And, how did having a second service dog named Kenda help with the transition?

Leigh: If such things had been up to me, I would have seen to it that Slugger stayed young forever. I didn’t want him to get older; I did not want him to retire. Yet when he reached the point where working could have potentially been hard or painful for him due to his age, I absolutely knew it was time for Slugger to retire. I was fortunate to have caring guidance from our veterinarian. His input made it easier for me to do the right thing at the right time.

Kenda’s entrance into my life helped me feel a sense of continuity and security once it was time for Slugger to retire. I liked knowing that my first service dog and my second working partner would be a part of each other’s lives. My two dogs also made it clear they liked sharing their journeys with each other—and me—as well.

Jen: Throughout your life, you have experienced blatant acts of discrimination. Is it simply due to ignorance? Or, do you believe our society’s quest for perfection is to blame?

Leigh:Even with the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (www.ada.gov), I believe that discrimination can arise out of either ignorance or choice. I feel that the discrimination I have faced over the years has in fact been a combination of both of these factors. Some people may not be familiar with service dogs. Some people may be uncomfortable with other individuals whom they perceive as being ‘different’.Still, neither discomfort nor ignorance should excuse discrimination.

Jen: Looking back, what was the most valuable life lesson you learned from Slugger?

Leigh: Slugger shared so much wisdom with me in the years that we had together!He taught me that every partnership is a matter of give and take. He taught me that white fur on a dark skirt makes a wonderful fashion statement.And the most profound lesson Slugger shared with me was that even life’s biggest challenges can hold the promise of something good.

Jen: For those readers who want to know more about service dogs and the programs available, can you recommend some organizations?

Leigh:Having been involved with Saint Francis Service Dogs in Virginia for years, I would highly recommend the organization to those interested in learning more about service dogs in the state (www.saintfrancisdogs.org). Assistance Dogs International (www.AssistanceDogsInternational.org) also offers helpful information about service dogs in addition to a listing of service dog organizations throughout the United States and abroad. Delta Society (www.deltasociety.org) can also provide valuable information about many different types of working dogs and those who are partnered with them.

Jen: Let’s switch gears now and talk about your website. Please take us on a brief tour highlighting your favorite parts.

Leigh: My website, www.leighbrill.com, is pretty basic, yet it seems to suit the fundamental style and message of my work. I’m especially happy with the video that is featured on my welcome page.I love knowing that folks can watch it and see a service dog in action (my girl, Kenda). I’ve also included information about the book so that people can uncover details about the story, my publisher, and where and how they can get A DOG NAMED SLUGGER! My website features lots of links that relate to my story.I think it’s a great way to share resources as well as inspiration. Readers can get to know me a bit more on my site, too, and contact me if they want to share their thoughts. It’s exciting to be able to let everyone know what my dog and I are up to on our news and reviews page. I’ll be updating that very soon…

Jen: What’s next for you? Are you currently at work on another project? And if so, what can you share with us?

Leigh:Lately I have been very focused on letting readers know about A Dog Named Slugger. I am also hard at work on my next book; Miranda and Charlie and the Great Cupcake Caper is the first in a series of fictional juvenile stories featuring an energetic kid-detective and her service dog.

Jen: Thank you so much for stopping by to chat with my readers. Your story is such an inspiration for all of us living with a chronic disease. I wish you only the best.

Leigh:I’m honored by the opportunity, thank you Jen!I’m pleased and humbled to know my book is making a positive difference. Sharing some of the goodness that Slugger first shared with me is rewarding on many levels.Best to you and wags from sweet Kenda!

I hope you have enjoyed my interview with Leigh. Truly, she is such an inspiration to us all. Please stop by your favorite bookstore or local library branch and pick up a copy of A DOG NAMED SLUGGER today.

Better yet, how would you like to win one instead? Okay, be one of the first five readers to e-mail me at jensjewels@gmail.com with the correct answer to the following trivia question and you’ll win. Good luck!

What is the name of Leigh’s next book?

Next time, I will be bringing to you my interview with Cynthia Keller, author of AN AMISH CHRISTMAS. You won’t want to miss it.

10/04/2010

Cassie Madison never looked back as she left her hometown of Walton, Georgia. Being from a small town always made her feel like a bear caught in a trap. Instead, she has chosen to live the high life in the Upper East Side in New York City pursuing the ultimate dream of becoming a successful ad executive. Her life as she once knew it no longer exists. Her future is wide open. And, she is very excited at the possibilities ahead.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like if you were born a different race? I think oftentimes we are so comfortable in our own skin that we neglect to acknowledge the adversity faced by others. For example, the civil rights movement seems like an event found only in the pages of a history book, but in reality, it happened not too long ago. If it weren’t for bright, courageous authors who challenge us to remember the road once taken, we might forever forget the struggles our country has faced.

This month’s Jen’s Jewels Jennifer Erin Valent is an expert, in my opinion, in making the past come to life. In her latest release CATCHING MOONDROPS, she continues the story of a brave young white woman named Jessilyn Lassiter who comes face to face with social prejudices in Virginia in the 1930’s. The third book in the series, she takes the reader to a place where the Ku Klux Klan reigns supreme and the rights of those of a different race are put to the test.

As part of this interview, Tyndale Publishers has donated five books for you, my favorite readers, to try to win. So, don’t forget to look for the trivia question at the end. And as always, thanks for making Jen’s Jewels a part of your reading adventure.

Jen: A writer’s road to publication oftentimes is as fascinating as the story itself. So that my readers may have a glimpse into your world, please share with us your educational and professional background.

Jennifer: The only real writing-related educational experience I have dates back to high school. (Keep in mind that was the same place I nearly flunked a test on A Tale of Two Cities because I deemed Dickens unreadable!) I didn't go to college, and I can guarantee I wouldn't have majored in anything involving literature if I had. My passion for writing happened later in my life, but then living life is a great teacher when it comes to the study of people and how we live.

Jen: Describe for us your “Aha!” moment when you made the conscious decision to actively pursue a career in publishing.

Jennifer: It was similar to the experience I had when I decided to take voice lessons years ago and was told I was a soprano rather than an alto. I thought, "It'll be fun to learn something new," and then I thought, "I'm doomed to sing opera for the rest of my life"! Actively pursuing writing meant great things like spending vast amounts of time using my imagination to create people, places and stories. It meant sharing my heart with the world. But it also meant learning about an industry I knew nothing about, studying the craft and business, and determining that I'd stick to it no matter what... even if I got to a point where I wanted to burn my laptop and walk away. Clearly, I'm glad I made the decision to go for it, but in the beginning it was excitement and fear rolled into one.

Jen: As you have said, you have dabbled in many areas of publishing from magazines to children’s books. Currently, you write for the Christian Market. What has made this particular genre a good fit for you? And, what has been the most challenging part of writing for this audience?

Jennifer: It's a perfect fit because my faith is the basis for who I am, and it's why I do what I do. So it's a market that I relate to easily. The difficulty is that the Christian market doesn't get the same sort of publicity in some venues. It can be a struggle to get your work noticed. But ultimately, I leave that in God's hands.

Jen: Your first novel FIREFLIES IN DECEMBER was the 2007 winner of the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild Operation First Novel award. Quite an accomplishment! Congratulations! For my readers who are unfamiliar with your work, please describe for us the premise.

Jennifer: FIREFLIES IN DECEMBER is the story of Jessilyn Lassiter whose family takes in her orphaned best friend, Gemma Teague. But Gemma is black and a white family taking a black girl in as their own in 1932 Virginia is not looked on favorably. The family faces the effects of segregation and come face-to-face with the Ku Klux Klan, throwing Jessilyn's life into a tailspin of anger, fear and the harsh discovery of the darker side of humanity.

Jen: Approximately how much research was needed in order for the story to ring true with your readers? And, what was the most fascinating tidbit you learned along the way?

Jennifer: I primarily needed to have a feel for the time period and an understanding of racial prejudice during the Depression era. I watched documentaries, read non-fiction, Googled a lot. Sometimes, though, it's the smaller details that are hardest to discover, like particulars about how their homes would have looked inside, what vehicles they would have driven, or what terms they would have used. You can't just research certain time periods; you have to research that time period in that particular place. Someone living in the city in 1932 would have lived differently than someone in rural Virginia in 1932, which is where this story is set.

I suppose the most interesting things I learned had to do with the Ku Klux Klan. It amazed me to see just how pervasive they've been at times in our history, and how much they were able to circumvent the law. I think I knew something about that from things I'd read and watched before I started researching the book, but it really came to life for me when I plopped this family I'd created right into the midst of the turmoil.

Jen: Why did you choose to write about this time period from a young girl’s point of view?

Jennifer: It's really as simple as sitting down at my computer with the desire to write a first person Southern drama and coming up with Jessilyn's character first. From that point on, knowing the kind of character she was, I was excited to paint the story from her perspective. I've had some people who knew me as a teenager tell me she reminds them of me when I was that age, so I think I found it easy to step into her shoes.

Jen: The story continues in the sequel COTTONWOOD WHISPERS. What is the premise of this book?

Jennifer: In COTTONWOOD WHISPERS, we're once again back in Calloway, Virginia, but this time it's 1936 and Jessilyn is turning 17. She's on that cusp of womanhood, and she's no longer as naive as she was when the trouble hit in FIREFLIES IN DECEMBER. And when an elderly friend is accused of a crime she's certain he didn't commit, she's determined to see right win out over wrong... at all costs. But when she finds out just what that cost might be to her and her family, she wonders how far she can go in her search for justice.

Jen: Was it your intention all along to write a series, or did the story just take on a life of its own? What works best for you in terms of plotting the storyline?

Jennifer: I had originally thought of following Jessilyn's story through one novel, but as I worked it out in my head, I knew I'd never be able to dive into the storylines deeply enough without making it an epic-size novel. Considering I have an affinity for reading characters that I can follow through a series, I naturally decided to head in that direction.

Honestly, I'm not much on outlining plot, so I tend to wing it a lot. I think I'm just the type of writer who develops the characters first and then lets them weave the story together. As I flesh out the characters and have them interact, I start getting plot ideas, and it all just strings along as I go. So I usually start with a basic theme and idea of the story, but the particulars tend to come as I go.

Jen: In your latest endeavor CATCHING MOONDROPS, the main character Jessilyn Lassiter is facing a very emotional period in her life. Her best friend Gemma falls in love with Tal Pritchett a young, black doctor who has just recently moved to town. This new relationship puts a definite strain on their friendship. Why is Jessilyn so fearful of letting go of her friend?

Jennifer: Jessilyn is fiercely loyal. It's one of her most endearing qualities, but it's also something that makes life tough for her because it makes her resistant to change and growth. Letting go of Gemma means moving on to a place where life will never be quite the same again. That's a difficult leap for most of us!

Jen: And, how does this mirror Jessilyn’s own doubts about her relationship with Luke Talley?

Jennifer: Jessilyn's the kind of girl that wishes she could grow up in some ways and stay a kid in others. On one hand she wants to marry Luke Talley, and on the other hand she wants to stay with her best friend forever. Just by nature of who she is, and how dependent she is on the people who matter most to her, she has to make a lot of hard choices in order to grow into who she's meant to be.

Jen: This story confronts the harsh realities of social prejudices in the South when a young black man is lynched. Jessilyn has faced these injustices before; however, this time is much different. Why does this specific incident throw her into such a tailspin? Does it have anything to do with her newfound sense of maturity?

Jennifer: Jessilyn's been up close and personal with hate and violence before, but never quite so personally as this. She's lost loved ones before, but not to brutality and murder. The picture of that lynching is etched into her mind, a permanent picture of hate, and it eats away at her soul.

The worst part of my research for CATCHING MOONDROPS was reading about lynching. Once you see pictures of someone hanging there like that, at the mercy of the dark side of human thinking, it sticks with you. Jessilyn saw it up close and personal, and it changed her forever.

Jen: Jessilyn struggles with accepting the Lord’s role in the injustices of her world. She realizes that she has disappointed her family and friends due to her disbelief, yet she can’t seem to move beyond it. Whose opinion among her circle matters most to her in this situation and why?

Jennifer: I always think it's Gemma, but you'd have to ask Jessilyn to find out for sure! She wants to please her parents and make them happy, of course, but I think she really feels most convicted around Gemma. Gemma is like a mirror for Jessilyn - a portrait of the type of character that she should have - and because of that she feels more conviction from her than from anyone... without Gemma even having to say a word.

Jen: Luke Talley has been the constant in her life. He is the man she wants to spend the rest of her life with, God willing. What makes these two such a good pair? And, in what ways do their differences make their relationship more solid?

Jennifer: Luke and Jessilyn have formed a bond over the years that make them understand each other, and to me there are few things as comforting as having someone around who really gets you. Luke's the guy who knows her, spots and all, and still sticks with her through thick and thin. When two people have been through so much together without killing each other, there has to be something good there, right?

I love how the Lord takes people and fits them together in complimentary ways, and that's what I wanted for Luke and Jessilyn. His mild mannered ways are in stark contrast to her fiery personality, but he can come right back at her with his wit and doesn't back down to her. At the same time, it's Jessilyn's spitfire nature that reminds Luke what's worth living - and fighting - for.

Jen: Let’s switch gears now and talk about your promotional plans. Will you be participating in a book tour?

Jennifer: Right now we don't have a tour planned. It's amazing to me how much the internet has come to mean to the marketing world. Between interviews like this one, blogs, website ads, Facebook and Twitter, we're able to get the word out to a lot of people.

Jen: Please take us on a brief tour of your website.

Jennifer: When you stop by JenniferValent.com, you can find out more about each of my books including sample chapters, critical reviews and purchasing information. There's also a bio page where you can find out more about who I am and why I write, and an events page that will tell you about signings, speaking engagements, interviews and more. Plus, you can enter contests for books and other prizes, visit my blog, and drop me a note. I love hearing from readers!

Jen: Do you participate in Author Phone Chats? And if so, how would my readers go about scheduling one?

Jennifer: I'm always happy to do what I can to help readers experience more of the back story of my books. I've participated with book clubs before, and I'm always open to considering invitations. Readers can contact me on my website with any requests, and I'll get back to them as quickly as I can.

Jen: What’s next for you? Will there be a book four in this series?

Jennifer: No, Jessilyn's story (at least my part of it!) ends with CATCHING MOONDROPS. I realized early on that I didn't feel comfortable carrying this story line on past three books, and as sad as it was to say goodbye, I still feel certain it was the right way to end it. I've got a book idea I'm working on now that would still be historical fiction, but we'll see if it works out.

Jen: Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by and chat with my readers. I have loved reading all three of your books. The stories are so emotionally charged with historical informational and gripping plot lines. Thank you so much for bringing your readers back in time to a period that needs not to be forgotten. Best of luck in the future!

Jennifer: Thanks so much for the opportunity to share a little bit about myself and my books with you and your readers. I wish everyone very happy reading!

I hope you have enjoyed my interview with Jennifer. Please stop by your favorite bookstore or local library branch and pick up a copy of CATCHING MOONDROPS today. Better yet, how would you like to win one instead?

Okay, be one of the first five readers to e-mail me at jensjewels@gmail.com with the correct answer to the following trivia question and you’ll win.

Name the first book in the Jesssilyn Lassiter series.

Later this month, I will be bringing to you my interview with Leigh Brill, author of the true-life story A DOG NAMED SLUGGER. You won’t want to miss it.